The same has dawned on me over the last few months– that this surreal reality is exactly how it happened back then. Incrementally tightening restrictions plus random decrees to move the goalposts.
In school we learned so much of what had happened in those days with the implicit assurance that it could never happen again, certain that peo…
The same has dawned on me over the last few months– that this surreal reality is exactly how it happened back then. Incrementally tightening restrictions plus random decrees to move the goalposts.
In school we learned so much of what had happened in those days with the implicit assurance that it could never happen again, certain that people would immediately recognize propaganda for what it is this time around.
Ha.
When I was young teen in the mid 1970s an elderly neighbor, a German American retired engineer, spoke of his path in life that brought him to the USA for college education and adventure in the 1930s. He left his home in Germany during the early 30s and returned to his home town several years later only to hastily beat a path back to USA. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing in the attitudes of his relatives and friends. He felt he could speak freely of his observations. He discovered how wrong he was. But the most mystifying thing was encountering the strenuousness with which people identified with the propaganda. He implored them to open their eyes to reality that seemed so obvious to what he had learned he’d become– an outsider.
So he didn’t merely leave home again– he was virtually driven out with a vengeance. Most of his friends and family never spoke to him again with few exceptions, but only after the war. He could never bring himself to visit Germany again.
I had nearly forgotten that long ago conversation until now. So this is how it happens. The litany after an exceedingly gentle nudge– “There’s nothing I can do so why worry.” “You’re a real downer.” “You’re crazy.” “Oh so they’re all lying, yeah right” “My doctor’s the best and says….“ “Shut up.“
They fall into two general camps. The frightened; and the sanctimonious self congratulators who allow themselves to be rewarded by their betters. The former I guess I can understand. The latter perpetuate all the trouble in the world.
Now I can’t help but observe individuals I know with the uncomfortable sense of what side of history each of them is falling on. And to what they will either acquiesce or turn a blind eye. It haunts me.
The same has dawned on me over the last few months– that this surreal reality is exactly how it happened back then. Incrementally tightening restrictions plus random decrees to move the goalposts.
In school we learned so much of what had happened in those days with the implicit assurance that it could never happen again, certain that people would immediately recognize propaganda for what it is this time around.
Ha.
When I was young teen in the mid 1970s an elderly neighbor, a German American retired engineer, spoke of his path in life that brought him to the USA for college education and adventure in the 1930s. He left his home in Germany during the early 30s and returned to his home town several years later only to hastily beat a path back to USA. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing in the attitudes of his relatives and friends. He felt he could speak freely of his observations. He discovered how wrong he was. But the most mystifying thing was encountering the strenuousness with which people identified with the propaganda. He implored them to open their eyes to reality that seemed so obvious to what he had learned he’d become– an outsider.
So he didn’t merely leave home again– he was virtually driven out with a vengeance. Most of his friends and family never spoke to him again with few exceptions, but only after the war. He could never bring himself to visit Germany again.
I had nearly forgotten that long ago conversation until now. So this is how it happens. The litany after an exceedingly gentle nudge– “There’s nothing I can do so why worry.” “You’re a real downer.” “You’re crazy.” “Oh so they’re all lying, yeah right” “My doctor’s the best and says….“ “Shut up.“
They fall into two general camps. The frightened; and the sanctimonious self congratulators who allow themselves to be rewarded by their betters. The former I guess I can understand. The latter perpetuate all the trouble in the world.
Now I can’t help but observe individuals I know with the uncomfortable sense of what side of history each of them is falling on. And to what they will either acquiesce or turn a blind eye. It haunts me.
now more than ever it is vital to find like-minded people......